Empty Stool, Seoul Bars and Restaurants — Empty Stool Regular

Daegu-style makchang restaurant in Euljiro 3-ga, 3pm opening: Baegyeom

Baegyeom Makchang Euljiro Main Branch (백염막창 을지로본점) is a Daegu-style makchang (grilled pork intestine) restaurant a 1-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station in Jung-gu, Seoul. On a midsummer day the writer arrived for the 3pm opening and ordered 1 serving of the limited-quantity makchang sundae, 2 servings of Daegu makchang and jeotgal fried rice (fried rice with salted seafood). The thick Daegu makchang had no gamey smell, but the makchang sundae, blood sausage wrapped in makchang with a double texture, was the most memorable dish at Baegyeom Makchang.

Written Aug 3, 2026Sponsored

PlaceMapo, SeoulRestaurants

Double-date Korean BBQ in Hapjeong: bone-in pork ribs, Jeongyukdo

Jeongyukdo (정육도) is a charcoal Korean BBQ restaurant about a 3-minute walk from Exit 5 of Hapjeong Station in Mapo, Seoul. On a Saturday evening, two couples ordered the Handon (Korean pork) set with extra fresh pork ribs, a bomb steamed egg, hanwoo (Korean beef) doenjang stew and naengmyeon (cold noodles). Jeongyukdo's genuine bone-in pork ribs tasted great with just salt, and 6,000-won naengmyeon made it a good summer spot for a group dinner.

Written Aug 3, 2026Sponsored

PlaceNowon, SeoulRestaurants

Nowon sushi buffet pre-holiday dinner: apple tart refills, Kuu Kuu

Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch is a sushi and seafood buffet on the 6th floor of Seoul Oncheon Building, 247 Nowon-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul. On a weekday dinner just before the Liberation Day holiday, the writer went back for refills of raw salmon sashimi and shrimp sushi and tried the newly added lamb chops, smoked duck and apple tart. For a family gathering that mixes sushi lovers, meat lovers and dessert lovers, Kuu Kuu Nowon Branch is a safe pick.

Written Aug 16, 2026Sponsored